Alexander Council approves $15K to upgrade network system

The Alexander City Council approved spending $15,000.00 to upgrade the computer network that serves both city hall and the police department. Mayor Paul Mitchell says it’s a three-step process.

The first step; which included the purchase and installation of an Intel blade server, a server rack and labor; has already been completed at a cost of $4,885.00. Additional improvements include security upgrades for laptops and desktop computers, increasing storage for digital files such as body camera video and AT&T is installing faster internet. Mitchell said the final step will be to connect the police cars to the city’s network.

Also at the July 18 meeting:

Cost of housing inmates increases

Mayor Paul Mitchell announced an increase in the cost of housing inmates in the Saline County Detention Center. The contract for calendar year 2023 sets the monthly rate for one inmate at $1,730.25 and $20,763.00 annually. Mitchell noted the monthly cost is a $5.00 increase from this year.

Confusion at the crossing

If you drive to and from Shobe Road on Brookwood Road you may have noticed the pavement between the railroad tracks and Shobe Road is half paved. In May the council accepted the low-bid of $47,514.40, submitted by Cranford Construction Company of Little Rock, to repave the section of Brookwood Road between the railroad tracks and Shobe Road, Alexander Road between Third Street and Fourth Street and sections of Cornerstone Road.

Mayor Mitchell told council members Cranford hired an independent crew, due to their numerous list of projects. After discovering the unpaved area Mitchell contacted Cranford and was told the paving crew was under the impression they weren’t allowed to use heavy equipment within 50-feet of railroad tracks. It’s actually 10-feet. Cranford will return to complete that section of Brookwood Road.

New Assistant Fire Chief announced

Alexander Fire and Rescue Chief Mark Ridgeway announced the promotion of Sr. Captain Brad Noblett to Assistant Fire Chief. The promotion was effective as of July 1, 2022.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 18 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.

Saline County Water and Sewer joins utility aid program

If customers of the Saline County Water and Sewer Public Facilities Board (SCWSPFB) have had their water or wastewater services cut off, or if your services are in danger of being cut off because your bill is past due, you may be eligible for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. The SCWSPFB has joined a program that will help customers pay your water and sewer bill if you qualify.

Bob McKeon, General Manager of SCWSPFB, has announced the water and sewer district has joined a state program that will help customers pay overdue water and sewer bills. McKeon said the assistance program will be available beginning in September.

“Since the economy is affecting so many families Saline County Water & Sewer PFB has joined the Arkansas Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP),” McKeon said in his announcement.

SCWSPFB provides water and sewer service for most of South Alexander. If you qualify the payment will be sent directly to the utility.

According to information provided by McKeon the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is an emergency program to help families with overdue water bills or who are at risk of losing water service at their home. LIHWAP is a grant you do not have to repay. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $2,000.

Documents you will need to provide include; Proof of identity, Social Security card, Proof of income, Copies of most recent water utility bills, and Lease agreement (if water is included in your rent).

You may check income limits and apply online by going to www.ArkansasLIHWAP.com. You may also call 1-888-985-6441 to inquire about income limits or submit an application.